Current-controlling device



T. J. MADIGAN Feb. 21, 1928. 1,659,779

CURRENT CONTROLLING DEViCE Filed May 12. 1926 INVENTOR Thomas J, Madiymr By I r A TTORNE Y Patented Feb. 21, least crnoivrns J; MAniGAnonBnooKI-flnf, nnwYon'K;

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Application-filed May 12,

. ularly toautomatic switches for electric heating'fdevic'es such as flat irons. j

Th, primary objector the invention is to prevent the continued flow of electric current and. accompanying waste'when the instrument is not inusei I y v A more specific object of the invention is to preventoverheating or the instrument "with the accompanying dangers such as they burning out of the heating element and possible injury to the work; c

One t'eature ofthe invention-is the automatic cutting on ofthe current when the" instrument is flat on the 'work, and the switching on of the current when the 'instrument is tilted back.

Another feature or the invention is the articulation ot'the switch handle which enables the user to fold the grip portion back upon itself and out of the way of the hand so that the current maybe disconnected even while the device is inuse. .A further feature. of the invention is the universal connection between the contact member and the switch element which permits ofits application toinstruments having a variety of handle,arrangements.

In the drawings: v I Figure 1, is a side view or an electric fiat iron equipped with this improved current control device, and

Figure 2, is a rear end view of Figure 1. Referring to the drawings in detail, the iron consists of a body lOprovide'd with the customary handle 11 and handle support 12. The handle issecured to the supportlQ by means of a longitudinalscrew 13 and nut 14. The usual terminal studs 15 project upwardly from the body near its'rear end, andsecured to therear leg of the hanthe reception ofthe plug usually connected to the end of the. conductor cord. c

This improved switch 17 is secured. at the back of the rearleg of the handle support 12by means of the bolt 13 and nut 14, andpivoted to the switch 17 is a lever 18 which when moved in a direction toward the iron operates the switch mechanism tocomplete the circuit through the iron. A grip portion 19 is pivoted at 2Oftothelever -18 and lies longitudinally of the handle in such a-positionlthat whenthefhanfdle is grasped, the switch will be moved to on. position, and

1 init the device to 1926. Serial 1510. 108,486.

as soon as the pressure is released, the lever Will return to oil position through the action of the spring and plunger -21 and 22 respectively. P

arate plug 23 by me'ans of a ductor cord 24; In use the plug 23 is slipped over the terminal studs and into the sheath 16. The screw 13 is then partly withdrawn and the end passed through the supporting member 25 of the switch 17 and the nut 14 drawn up tight. In this manner the parts will be firmly held in proper position irrespective of the position of the terminal plugs 15. Obviously as soon as the handle is grasped by the user, the grip 19 will be advanced toward the iron thus manipulating the switch and causing current to flow through the iron. As soon as the grip on'the handle is'released, the lever 18 will return to its original position, thus breaking the circuit. Should the iron become too hot, it is'but necessary to fold'the 'grip19 back on its pivot 20 and out of the way of the handle 11. When it is desired to heat the iron without holding the handle, it is only neces sary to tilt it backward-s until the back of the lever 18 engages the table or other support. When in this position it will be seen that the lever willbemoved so as to operate'tlie switch andcomplete the circuit.

. 1 What is claimed is;

1. The combination with an electrical heating instrument, of an "automatic switch to thscon'tinue the flow of current therethrough when the instrument 1S at rest, said of the instrument, a lever hingedly engaged rear end, resilient cmeans in said body to press saidlev'er o'ut'wardly,and means CHI? ried by. said lever; to control said switch.

' r 2. The combination with an electrical v v switch including a body fixed at the rear dle support is the customary sheath 16 for heating instrument, of a switch removably secured thereto, a universal connection between the switch and the instrument to perm t the switch to be used with instruments of different structural details and a spring actuated control lever pivoted to said switch to extend normally at a right angle to the 4 c 1,559,779.; it 7YU7N1T*ED" TE PAT EJNT o Fries.

base of said instrument to partially sup port the same when the instrument is in an upright position.

The combination with an electric flat iron having a handle and conductor studs, of a switch attached directly to the handle a plug" universally connected to the switch for establishing contact between the studs and the switch a sprint pressed control lever pivoted to said switch to make contact with a surface when the iron is stood upon its rear end, and a second lever pivoted to the end of the first named lever to fold over its outer side or to be extended over said handle.

t. An electrical current controlling device comprising a switch, a lever for moving the switch to complete an electric circuit, a manually operable lever pivoted to the end of the first named lever to extend towards the "front or towards the rear, means to normally hold the switch lovers in position to break the circuit and an attachment plug universally connected to the switch.

The combination with an electric current consuming device, of spring impelled lever means to automatically discontinue the flow of current therethrongh. when it is .in a state of rest a handle grip tor controlling the tlow of current through the device, and a pivot connecting said handle grip to the lever means whereby the handle grip may be thrown into and out of operative position.

Signed at New York, county of New York, State of New York, this 8th day of May, 1926.

THOMAS J. h IADIGAN. 

